Northern Michigan University, located in Marquette, Michigan, is a dynamic four-year, public, comprehensive university that has grown its reputation based on its award-winning leadership programs, cutting-edge technology initiatives and nationally recognized academic programs. Northern has a population of about 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Ask a few Northern students what drew them to our university and you will get a variety of answers. That's because there is no single thing that make students want to go to Northern; it is ALL the things that we do here. Northern is big enough to offer a wide variety of academic programs but is also small enough that every time you walk across campus, you'll probably wave "hi" to someone you know.

Curiosity is the raw ingredient of knowledge. It causes us to ask questions, to seek answers, to learn. At Northern Michigan University, natural curiosity and intellectual challenge meet in stimulating classes grounded in the liberal arts. So wherever your curiosity leads you, you can count on the support you need to take the next step, ask the next question, propose the next hypothesis.

The mission of the Northern Michigan University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Recreational Sports and the United States Olympic Training Site is to create an environment that promotes academic excellence, interpersonal growth and social development; embraces diversity; teaches lifetime leisure skills; fosters spirit and tradition; and builds a lifelong connection to NMU.

Yes, you'll attend your classes, but what else will you be doing as a student at Northern? There's so much stuff to choose from. There's a student organization or club – almost 300 at last count-- for just about every interest. If you're into investigating the paranormal, anime or improv comedy, there's a group. Cheer on your fellow Wildcats at a hockey game or volleyball match. Join a competitive club sport or an intramural team. The sky is the limit.

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Physics Department

Physics is the study of physical phenomena in our universe. It seeks to
explain and describe physical interactions using the concepts of force and
energy. At NMU, students are steeped in challenging coursework and top-notch
training, developing comprehensive knowledge of the sciences along with the
technology and research skills needed to succeed in the field or in graduate
school.

Experience learning

Our professors work closely with each student to shape the best curriculum to meet your specific career goals. You’ll have the benefit of small class sizes and personal attention and the chance to join faculty in research projects on campus, such as analyzing the internal structure of neutrons or detecting radionuclides in local river beds. State-of-the-art equipment and technology, two observatories and various research labs are at your disposal. You might even present at the Argonne National Laboratory research symposium, which our students attend each year.

Career excellence

Our graduates have gone on to careers as teachers (much in demand), physicists, bio-, medical-, astroand geo-physicists, and oceanographers, or continued their studies to become a physician, lawyer or engineer. The field offers excellent earning potential. Learn more

Degrees Offered

Bachelor Degree

Minor

What you'll do at NMU

Join the Physics Club and plan amazing presentations for campus and area
elementary classrooms. Help fuel the competition and learning at the annual
Science Olympiad for middle and high school students at NMU’s Seaborg
Center, one of the finest science facilities in the Midwest (where you’ll
have most of your classes). Serve as a mentor to a fellow student struggling
with introductory or advanced physics courses. Hang out with like-minded
peers in the physics majors’ office. Maybe you’ll help gather materials
for a book about testing the accuracy of the theory of relativity. Who knows,
you could scale the Mackinac Bridge or solve the legendary mystery of the
Paulding Light. Whatever you do, you will be immersed in interactive learning
at NMU. You’ll also have the personal attention and support of talented,
caring teachers every step of the way.